Kolkata, Sept. 2 -- West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul on Wednesday warned owners of vacant plots that they could face hefty penalties for allowing their properties to become overgrown and accumulate stagnant water, as the state stepped up its dengue-prevention drive during the monsoon.
Paul said municipal authorities could initiate proceedings against owners whose neglected plots created unhygienic conditions and caused inconvenience to neighbouring residents. She said the penalty could be a substantial lump-sum amount and could be added to the owner's property tax.
The warning comes as West Bengal has recorded 4,035 dengue cases and seven officially confirmed deaths up to August 19, according to ...